The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1887-06-24
THE KIMBALL GRAPHIC.


There is no use in lamenting the out
cry that has been raised in consequence
of the action regarding the confederate
battle flags. Much as many may de-
sire to see an end Of the bitterness en-
gendered by the war of the rebellion. it
is not in the nature of things to force
such an ending. All efforts in that di-
iecuon, in that way will only serve to
prolong the desired event. The men
who were present when those flags
were captnred, who risked life and limb
in the exploit who saw comrades-en-
dcared to them by the associations of
the campfire, the march and the battle
stricken down to rise no more in the
awful struggles that took place for the
possession of those trophies, haye SEN
timent connected with them that no
civilian can understand. That senti-
ment overrides every other consider
alton. AS years go by and these veter-
ans, one by one, pass the meridian of
life and begin to live more in the past
than in the future, their attachment to
everything that reminds them of the
sacrifices and heroism of their youth
grows stronger and stronger. This is as
natural as breathing. To quarrel with
it is as useless as to quarrel with nature.
In the matter of the removal of these
flags 'somc one has blundcred" As far
as we now know, neither the president
nor any of his cabinet took official ac-
ton in the premises. nor knew the ex-
tent of the step which the adjutant gen
eral contemplated-all the reports and
long winded editorials in the partisan
press to the contrary Notwithstanding.
The adjutant general loyal Union
soldier with highly credible record
seems to have assumed the responsibility
of returning the flags. The accounta-
bility will, therefore, rest with him. 1t
ought to be matter of congratulation
to all that it is so. Such blundcr on
the part of the administration would not
stop in its effects with the lines of tie
party now dominantih the general gov
erment. 1t would arouse incorporate
passions i'll all classes throughout all
sections, and would mould the policy of
other parties in such way that the
'bloody shirt" would again assume the
leadership. The country does not want
this. The old soldiers do not want it.
As the flags are the property of the
nation an act of congress would be nee
essary to effect their removal Such an
act cannot be passed in this generation.
And again. the New South we hear so
much about certainly cannot waslt the
flags 1t has no use for them. There is
no one to receive them--if we are to be-
iieye their own words. Hence there is
nothing to be done but to settle the re-
sponsibility for the misfortune of awak-
ening to full life The bitterness of the
past. When that is done, the sooner
the subject is droppss the better for all
classes. The brave boys in blue will no
| doubt rest content with the preservation
! of trophies and the exposure of those
who menaced them. The party press
will not be so easily silenced. 1t is from
the latter that the worst effects OF some
ones most stupid blunder Will be rca-
| lizcd. The prospect in this respect is
discouraging. However, the people are
not ignorant of the motiycs.aE9 methods
| OF the party press. Its vaporings, there
fore. will be more disagrceable than
| damaging to the country.